Multi-source, multi-load systems with a power extractor

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and systems enable power transfer from one or more energy sources to one or more loads. The input power from the energy sources may be unregulated, and the output power to the loads is managed. The power transfer is based on a dynamic implementation of Jacobi&#39;s Law (also known as the Maximum Power Theorem). In some embodiments, the energy sources are selectively coupled and decoupled from the power transfer circuitry. In some embodiments, the loads are selectively coupled and decoupled from the power transfer circuitry. Power transfer to the loads is dynamically controlled.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/774,562, filed Jul. 7, 2007, and entitled, “Power ExtractorDetecting a Power Change,” and claims the benefit of priority of thatapplication. This application also claims the benefit of priority ofU.S. Provisional patent applications 60/867,342, filed Nov. 27, 2006,and entitled, “XSLENT Power Extraction Technology—XPX,” and 60/888,486,filed Feb. 6, 2007, and entitled, “XPX Power Converter.” Thisapplication is related to the following U.S. patent applications: Ser.No. 11/774,563, entitled, “Power Extractor with Control Loop”; Ser. No.11/774,564, entitled, “System and Apparatuses with Multiple PowerExtractors Coupled to Different Power Sources”; Ser. No. 11/774,565,entitled, “Power Extractor for Impedance Matching”; Ser. No. 11/774,566,entitled, “Power Extractor Detecting Power and Voltage Changes,” allfiled Jul. 7, 2007.

FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to electrical power, and moreparticularly to power transfer from one or multiple sources to one ormultiple loads with a power extractor.

BACKGROUND

Traditional power transfer between a source and load involves staticsystem configurations. The source and the load configurations aretraditionally known prior to system design. System design is performedto attempt to maximize power transfer between the source and load.Traditional systems typically regulate the output by virtue of theirstatic design principles, which results in consistent, regulated powertransfer. Without proper design, traditional power transfer circuits arenot well suited for many system applications.

SUMMARY

Apparatuses and systems enable dynamic power transfer from one or morepower sources to one or more loads. The power sources and/or loads canbe selectively, dynamically coupled and decoupled, and the powertransfer between the sources and loads is dynamically controlled. Insome embodiments, the power transfer is managed in part based on a powerprofile of a load to which power is transferred. In some embodiments, apower extractor dynamically matches impedance of the energy source onthe input power and/or the impedance of the load on the output power. Insome embodiments, operational status of the power extractor isdisplayed. In some embodiments, the power extractor communicates withanother entity to exchange status and/or configuration information.

In some embodiments, power transfer is source to line where the sourceis direct and the line characteristics are either direct or alternating.In embodiments where the line to source is direct we refer to this as DCto DC. In embodiments where the line to source is direct to alternatingwe refer to this as DC to AC. The output frequency of the alternatingcurrent can be based on a frequency requirement of the load. The outputfrequency can also or alternatively be set by a configuration parameter,such as a software control parameter or a switch configuration. In someembodiments, the output current is provided at a voltage based on avoltage requirement of the load. The output voltage can also oralternatively be set by a configuration parameter, such as a softwarecontrol parameter or a switch configuration. The output current at theoutput voltage can be provided at one or more phases, according to arequirement of the load. The phases can also or alternatively be set bya configuration parameter, such as a software control parameter or aswitch configuration.

In some embodiments, the power sources are detected and dynamicallycoupled or decoupled. Similarly, loads can be detected and dynamicallycoupled or decoupled. The coupling and decoupling can manage the inputand output power for the system. The coupling and decoupling may bebased on operating conditions of the system. In some embodiments, loadsare assigned a priority, and the power transfer management transferspower to the loads based on priority. For example, functional circuitsof a system (e.g., those that convert power into useful work) may havehigher priority than a battery that is charged by the system via atrickle charge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description includes discussion of figures havingillustrations given by way of example of implementations of embodimentsof the invention. The drawings should be understood by way of example,and not by way of limitation. As used herein, references to one or more“embodiments” are to be understood as describing a particular feature,structure, or characteristic included in at least one implementation ofthe invention. Thus, phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “in analternate embodiment” appearing herein describe various embodiments andimplementations of the invention, and do not necessarily all refer tothe same embodiment. However, they are also not necessarily mutuallyexclusive.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art system for charging a battery orproviding power to another load using solar power.

FIG. 2 illustrates an array of power sources and power extractors toprovide power to a load according to some embodiments of the inventions.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system including a power source, power extractor,and load configured according to some embodiments of the inventions.

FIG. 4 illustrates impedance matching characteristics of a powerextractor as viewed from a power source according to various embodimentsof the inventions.

FIG. 5 illustrates the impedance matching characteristics of a powerextractor as viewed from a load according to various embodiments of theinventions.

FIGS. 6 and 7 each illustrate a system including a power source, powerextractor, and load according to some embodiments of the inventions.

FIG. 8 illustrates details of some embodiments of the system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates power change examples in connection with acurrent-voltage (IV) curve and a power curve.

FIG. 10 is a table illustrating operational concepts for a powerextractor according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates two examples of a saw tooth wave and a switchingcontrol signal according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are each a block diagram illustrating power slopedetection circuitry according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an integratorcircuit that may be used in some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates various connectors for connecting a power source anda load to a power extractor and/or a circuit board according to someembodiments.

FIG. 16 shows a circuit between a power source and a node according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 17 shows a diode between a power source and a node according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of power transfer circuitry of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 19-22 each illustrate an example of power transfer circuitryaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates a battery where the positive end of the battery isconnected to ground.

FIG. 24 illustrates comparison circuitry that may be used in someembodiments.

FIG. 25 illustrates a system including a power source, power extractor,and load according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates processor control in connection with a loadaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates two different battery loads connected to an outputnode by a switch according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate various details of a power extractoraccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates a power extractor coupled between one or morebatteries and a load according to some embodiments.

FIG. 31 illustrates a parallel configuration of batteries and powerextractors coupled to a load according to some embodiments.

FIG. 32 illustrates a side view of a integrated circuit including aphotovoltaic power source and a power extractor according to someembodiments.

FIG. 33 illustrates a top view of the integrated circuit of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 illustrates a group of the integrated circuits of FIG. 32 in anarray.

FIGS. 35-37 each illustrate a group of PV cells or panels withcorresponding power extractors according to some embodiments.

FIG. 38 illustrates parallel groups of serial power extractors with eachgroup coupled to a power source according to some embodiments.

FIG. 39 illustrates parallel groups of power extractors with each powerextractor coupled to a power source according to some embodiments.

FIG. 40 illustrates power extractors and transmission lines according tosome embodiments.

FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate a power extractor used in a device accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 43 illustrates a system with a power extractor coupled between aregenerative generator and a battery according to some embodiments.

FIG. 44 illustrates a planar inductive device assembly using transformerclips.

FIG. 45 illustrates a system similar to that of FIG. 2 with a centralprocessor to gather data from or provide signals to the power extractorsaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 46 illustrates a system with a power supply, power extractor, andcentral station to gather data from the power extractor or supplysignals to the power extractor according to some embodiments.

FIG. 47 illustrates a system with multiple power sources, a powerextractor, and multiple loads according to some embodiments.

FIG. 48 illustrates a wristwatch system with multiple power sources, apower extractor, and multiple loads according to some embodiments.

FIG. 49 illustrates a wireless router system with multiple powersources, a power extractor, and multiple loads according to someembodiments.

FIG. 50 illustrates a pacemaker system with multiple power sources, apower extractor, and a load according to some embodiments.

FIG. 51 illustrates a system with multiple power sources, a powerextractor, and multiple AC loads according to some embodiments.

Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including adescription of the figures, which may depict some or all of theembodiments described below, as well as discussing other potentialembodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts presentedherein. An overview of embodiments of the invention is provided below,followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes a power extractor for providing DC to DC or DCto AC power from one or more power sources to one or more loads. Thepower extractor is called a power “extractor” because it operates in away to obtain more power from a power source than typically would beobtained by the source without the operation. In examples provided inthis disclosure, the power extractor operates to obtain impedancematching between the power source and the combination of the powerextractor and the load, and between the load and the combination of thepower source and the power extractor. This is called universal impedancematching because it occurs both as seen from the power source and asseen from the load. This impedance matching allows the power source toprovide a greater amount of power than it would without the impedancematching. In some embodiments, discussed below, the power extractor is apower extraction switching converter.

As described herein, the power extractor can be provided in any of anumber of dynamically-adjusting applications. The systems can have oneor more power sources, which may come on and offline, and one or moreloads that likewise can come on and offline. Rather than having staticconfigurations for transferring power, the power transferring can beapplied dynamically and intelligently by the power extractor.

In some embodiments, the impedance matching occurs as a consequence ofthe power extractor seeking a maximum power. In some embodiments, thepower extractor causes impedance matching by changing the duty cycle ofswitching circuitry coupled to power transfer circuitry of the powerextractor to cause increases in power until a maximum power is achieved.The changes to the duty cycle are made in response to detected powerchanges. In some embodiments, the power change is detected continuouslythrough analog circuitry, while in other embodiments the power change isdetected continuously through digital circuitry. In some embodiments,the detected power change includes a power slope, such as aninstantaneous power slope. When the detected power change is zero at atrue power maximum (not merely a local zero change), the powertransferred is at a magnitude (level or amount) that the power sourceprovides a maximum power given conditions beyond the control of thepower extractor. In some embodiments, maximum available power istypically very closely approached. Actually achieving maximum availablepower is an example very closely approaching it. Examples of suchconditions beyond the control of the power extractor that may apply forsome power sources include environmental conditions (e.g., amount of sunlight, temperature) and size of the power source (e.g., largerphotovoltaic cells or larger number of cells may provide more power). Ifthe power extractor's impedance is such that power is extracted at powerat too high of a current or too high of a voltage or too low of acurrent or too low of a voltage, the power source will provide less thana maximum amount of power. The maximum amount of power will be obtainedat a particular impedance. See FIGS. 9 and 10 and related discussion.

As used herein, a DC power source (called a power source herein),includes any source from which DC power might be generated and/orcaptured. Examples of DC power sources that may be used in accordancewith embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to,photovoltaic cells or panels, a battery or batteries, and sources thatderive power through wind, water (e.g., hydroelectric), tidal forces,heat (e.g., thermal couple), hydrogen power generation, gas powergeneration, radioactive, mechanical deformation, piezo-electric, andmotion (e.g., human motion such as walking, running, etc.). Powersources may include natural energy sources and man-made power sources,and may be stable (providing an essentially constant power but variablein magnitude) and unstable (providing power that varies over time). Insome embodiments, the power sources include sub-power sources (e.g., asolar panel may multiple cells), while in other embodiments, the powersource is unitary. A disadvantage of using sub-power sources is thatthey might have different impedances and a single power extractor maymatch with the combined impedance, which may be less optimal than havinga separate power extractor for each power source. A “power source” mayalso be considered an “energy source.”

FIG. 2 illustrates a system including power sources 32, 34, and 36coupled to power extractors 42, 44, and 46, respectively. Power source32 and power extractor 42 form a power unit 52 and may be physicallyseparated as shown in FIG. 2 and adjacent as shown in other figures.Likewise, power sources 34 and 36 form power units 54 and 56. The outputof power extractors 42, 44, and 46 are joined at a node N2 andcumulatively provide power to node N2. Load 64 is also joined to nodeN2. Load 64 may include a single load or sub-loads such as a battery (orbatteries), an inverter and/or another sub-load or other load. NodesN1-1, N1-2, and N1-3 are between power sources 32, 34, and 36 and powerextractors 42, 44, and 46. Power units 52, 54, and 56 form a powerassembly 58. A power assembly may include more than three power units ormerely two power units. A load line 62 is illustrated. Unidirectionalprotection devices (e.g., diodes) may be used to prevent backflow ofcurrent to the power sources, but they are not required.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system with a power source 32 having an outputimpedance Z1 coupled through a conductor 60 and node N1 to powerextractor 42. Power extractor 42 is referred to as an impedance matcher,because as discussed above, in at least one mode of operation, itmatches impedances as discussed. In some embodiments, power extractor 42may operate in different modes. For example, in an ordinary operatingmode (called a first mode herein), power extractor 42 operates toimpedance match so that a maximum available power is provided by thepower source. When it is said that power extractor 42 “operates toimpedance match so that a maximum available power is provided” it isunderstood that, in practice, perfect impedance matching is typicallynot obtained and an absolute maximum available power is typically notobtained from the power source. Nevertheless, power extractor 42operates so as to seek perfect impedance matching or to approach perfectimpedance matching under closed-loop control including power analysiscircuitry 74 and described below. In some embodiments, under steadystate conditions, perfect impedance matching may be very closelyapproached.

Likewise, when it is said that the power transfer circuitry is totransfer the power at a magnitude to cause a power source to provide amaximum power available given conditions beyond the control of the powerextractor, it is understand the power source approaches the maximumpower under the closed-loop control of the power extractor. In someembodiments, that maximum available power is approached very closely.The power extractor may be said to seek to operate in a way to cause thepower source to provide a maximum available power. Approaching perfectimpedance matching or maximum power does not mean constantly movingcloser and closer to perfect matching or maximum power. Sometimes,changes in the input impedance cause the impedance matching to be closerto perfect (or optimal) impedance matching and sometimes changes in theinput impedance (or changes in the power source impedance) cause theimpedance to be further from perfect matching, but overall the controlloop causes a significant improvement in impedance matching compared towhat it would be without the control loop. Likewise, with approachingmaximum power.

In a protection mode (called a second mode herein), power extractor 42operates to protect itself and/or load 64 and/or source 32. Theprotective mode may be entered into in response to a limiting condition.Examples of limiting conditions are excessive voltage, power, or currentin the first node, power extractor, or second node; too little voltage,power, or current in the first node, power extractor, or second node;and a device limiting condition. In some embodiments, power extractor 42detects only some of these limiting conductions to determine whether toenter a protection mode. There may be additional modes and there may bemore than one type of ordinary operating mode and more than one type ofprotection mode. For example, in at least one mode, power sourceconservation may be more important that achieve maximum power. This maybe the case, for example, if the power source is a battery (see theexample of FIG. 41).

Power extractor 42 includes power transfer circuitry 72 of FIG. 3between nodes N1 and N2 and provides output power to a load 64 through anode N2 and load line 62. For convenience of illustration, powerextractor 42 is shown as partially overlapping nodes N1 and N2. However,nodes N1 and N2 may be considered as being at the boundary of powerextractor 42, but note discussion of FIGS. 8 and 15. Load 64 has aninput impedance Z3. Power extractor 42 includes power analysis circuitry74 that analyzes the power and provides a switching circuitry controlsignal to control switching circuitry 78. Switching circuitry 78operates to at least partially control the operation of power transfercircuitry 72. Power extractor 42 includes an input impedance of Z2 andan output impedance of Z2*. When changes in power are detected, poweranalysis circuitry 74 responds by adjusting the timing (e.g., dutycycle) of switching circuitry 78. Switching circuitry 78 may also reactin a manner that seeks to maximize energy transfer efficiency through,for example, changing a frequency of switching of switching circuitry78.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the impedance matching characteristics of powerextractor 42 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, power source 32 has impedance Z7,called a first impedance in FIG. 4. Power extractor 42 has inputimpedance Z2 while load 64 has the impedance Z3. In FIG. 4, thecombination of Z2 and Z3 is called a second impedance. The impedance asseen by power source 32 when looking at the power extractor 42 is equalto its own impedance. In other words, power extractor 42 dynamicallymatches the impedance of power source 32 (i.e., Z1=Z2+Z3) so that thefirst and second impedances equal each other.

FIG. 5 illustrates that the impedance as seen by load 64 when looking atpower extractor 42 is also equal to its own impedance. In FIG. 5, thefirst impedance is Z1 and Z2*(the output impedance of power extractor42) and the second impedance is Z3. Load 64 sees output impedance Z2* onpower extractor 42. Thus, power extractor 42 also dynamically matchesthe impedance of the load (i.e., Z3=Z1+Z2*) so that the first and secondimpedances are matched. Given that the impedance of power extractor 42is typically different (Z2 or Z2*) depending whether the impedance ismeasured at N1 or N2, the impedances (Z2+Z3) as seen by the power sourceand (Z1+Z2*) as seen by the load may be thought of as virtualimpedances.

In some embodiments, whether power extractor 42 seeks to impedance matchwith power source 32 depends on whether load 64 can receive all thepower that power source 32 can provide. If load 64 can receive more thansource 32 can provide, then power extractor 42 seeks to have its inputimpedance match with the output impedance of power source 32, but doesnot necessarily seek to have its output impedance match with the inputimpedance of load 64. If load 64 can receive less than power source 32can provide, then power extractor 42 may go into a mode (possibly aprotection mode) in which it does not seek to have its input impedancematch with the output impedance of power source 32, but may seek tomatch its output impedance with the input impedance of load 64. If load64 can receive exactly or essentially exactly what source 32 canprovide, then power extractor 42 may seek to have its input impedancematch with the output impedance of power source 32 and its outputimpedance match with the input impedance of load 64. In otherembodiments, power extractor 42 may operate different. Impedancematching at the output node (node N2 in FIG. 3) may occur when powerextractors are connected together.

FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit 82 and a circuit 86 separated by a node N3in power transfer circuitry 72. Impedances of circuits 82 and 86 may becoadjutive (rendering mutual aid) and are modulated so that theaggregate impedance of power extractor 42 and load 64 is matched to theoutput impedance of power source 32. In some embodiments and situations,the aggregate impedance of power source 32 and power extractor 42 ismatched to the input impedance of load 64. Power is continuouslytransferred from power source 32 through circuit 82. The duty cycle ofS1 is dynamically adjusted to facilitate the virtual impedance matchingto the power source 32. Once the impedances are matched, the powerextracted from power source 32 is maximized. Likewise, power iscontinuously transferred from circuit 86 to load 64. The amount of powerdriven into load 64 is maximized when the impedance of circuit 86 ismatched with the impedance of load 64. A control loop 70 includes poweranalysis circuitry 74 and switching control circuitry 80. In someembodiments, control loop 70 is partly implemented with software. SwitchS1 is controlled by switching control circuitry 80. Power changeanalysis circuitry 74 detects changes in power from power source 32 atnode N1 and communicates with switching control circuitry 80. Switchingcontrol circuitry 80 controls, for example, the duty cycle of S1 so asto increase power as described below.

FIG. 7 illustrates another power transfer circuitry configuration thatmay be used in some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 7, powertransfer circuitry 72 includes a circuit 84 between circuits 82 and 86,with node N3 between circuits 82 and 84 and node N4 between circuits 84and 86. Switching control circuitry 80 provides a switching signal(s) tocontrol switches S1 and S2. In some embodiments, the duty cycle of theswitching signal to S1 is the inverse of the duty cycle of the switchingsignal to S2. In other embodiments, the switching signals to S1 and S2are intentionally not inverses of each other. In some embodiments, theremay be additional switches. Circuits 82, 84, and 86 may be coadjutiveimpedances and are modulated by switches S1 and S2 under the control ofswitching control circuitry 80 such that the aggregate impedance ofpower extractor 42 and load 64 matches the output impedance of powersource 32, and the aggregate impedance of power source 32 and powerextractor 42 matches the input impedance of load 64. When the impedanceof power source 32 is matched with the combination of power extractor 42and load 64, circuit 72 is able to extract maximum power from powersource 32.

In some embodiments, circuit 84 transfers accumulated voltage potentialfrom N3 to N4 without interrupting the flow of power from circuit 82 tocircuit 86. Circuit 86 adapts its output impedance to facilitateimpedance matching with load 64. The duty cycle of S2 is dynamicallyadjusted to cause the impedance matching between circuit 86 and load 64.Thus, circuit 86 is able to transfer maximum power into load 64. Whilecircuit 86 is transferring power to load 64, circuit 82 continues tomatch its impedance with the impedance of power source 32 allowingmaximum power to be transferred from power source 32 through circuit 82.This process continues as S1 and S2 are alternately opened and closedaccording to the duty cycle of the switching signal. In someembodiments, the switch states of S1 and S2 are controlled by switchingcontrol circuitry 80 which receives the switching control signal frompower change analysis circuitry 74 based on the changes in poweravailable at N1. Alternatively, the power change detected can be a powerchange at a place other than node N1 such as node N2 or inside powerextractor 42.

FIG. 8 illustrates details that are included in some embodiments ofFIGS. 5 and 7, but other embodiments include different details.Referring to FIG. 8, power change analysis circuitry 74 includes powerchange detection circuitry 94 and other circuitry shown in otherfigures. Power transfer circuitry 72 includes circuits 82, 84, and 86.Circuits 82 and 84 include transformer T1 (including inductors L1 andL3) and transformer T2 (including inductors L2 and L4). Circuit 82includes capacitors C1 and C2 and a node N5 separating C1 and C2 andconnected to inductors L3 and L4. Power source is coupled to inductor L1through conductor 60 of node N1, an interface connector 110, and a nodeN1*. As an example, connector 110 may be a plug receptacle (see alsoFIG. 15). If the impedance difference between N1, connector 110, and N1*are relatively small, then they may be considered one node. Otherwise,they may be considered more than one mode. Likewise with node N2*,connector 112, and node N2. Inductor L1 is between nodes N1* and N3, andinductor L2 is between nodes N4 and N2*.

Power change detection circuitry 94 detects a power change of power atnode N1* and provides a switching control signal on conductor 98 to oneinput of comparison circuitry 80. In some embodiments, power changedetection circuitry 94 detects a slope of the power change and may becalled power slope detection circuitry 94 and provide a power slopeindication signal (as shown in FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the powerslope is an instantaneous power slope. Another input of comparisoncircuitry 106 receives a waveform such as a saw tooth wave from waveformgenerator circuit 102. Comparison circuitry 106 controls a duty cycle ofswitches S1 and S2. In some embodiments, S1 and S2 are not both open orboth closed at the same time (with the possible exception of brieftransitions when they are switching). Waveform generator circuit 102 andcomparison circuitry 106 are examples of circuitry in switching controlcircuitry 80.

When S1 is closed, electromagnetic fields change in T1 and T2 while theelectrostatic potential across C1 and C2 is altered and energy frompower source 32 is distributed electromagnetically into T1 and T2, whileelectrostatically in C1 and C2. When S1 opens, S2 closes and themagnetic flux in T1 begins to decrease. Thus, the energy stored in T1flows through N3 to capacitors C1 and C2 of circuit 84, depositing someof the energy as an electrostatic field onto C1 and C2, and some of theenergy into T2 of circuit 86 through node N5 and inductor L4. Theresidual flux in T2 also begins to decrease, transferring energy intothe load 64 through N2. When S1 closes and S2 opens again, the magneticflux in T1 begins to increase while the magnetic flux T2 also increasesas it consumes some of the electrostatic energy that was previouslystored onto C1 and C2. Thus energy stored in circuit 84 is dischargedand transferred to T2 and load 64.

Multi-phase energy transfer combines two or more phased inputs toproduce a resultant flux in a magnetic core equivalent to the angularbisector of the inputs. (Note: an angle bisector of an angle is known tobe the locus of points equidistant from the two rays (half-lines)forming the angle.) In this embodiment of the power extractor,capacitors C1 and C2 are used to shift the phase of the current that isapplied to the secondary winding of T1 and T2 (L3 and L4 respectively).Thus, multi-phased inputs are applied to the cores of T2 and T3. Thesummation of the multiphase inputs alter the electromotive force thatpresent during the increase and reduction of flux in the transformersprimary windings L1 and L3. The result is the neutralization (within thebandwidth of the operational frequency of the power extractor) of highfrequency variations in the reactive component of the impedance thatcircuits 82 and 86 exhibit to the source and load respectively. Circuits82 and 86 may be multiphase bisector energy transfer circuits to causethe multiphase bisector energy transfer and to interface with circuit84.

Due to the dynamic properties of circuit 82, power source 32 “sees” anequivalent impedance at inductor L1 power extractor 42. Likewise, withinductor L2 and load 64. The input and output impedances of powerextractor 42 are adjusted by controlling the duty cycle of S1 and S2.Optimal matching of impedances to the power source 32 occurs whenmaximum power extraction from the power source is achieved.

Power slope detection circuitry 94, power change indication signal, andcomparison circuitry 106 are part of a control loop that controls theduty cycle of switching circuitry 78 to achieve maximum power extraction(i.e., ΔP/ΔV=0) from power source 32. The control loop may also controlthe switching frequency of switching circuitry 78 to influence theefficiency of power transfer through the power transfer circuitry 72.Merely as an example, the frequency may be in the range of 100 KHz to250 KHz depending on saturation limits of inductors. However, in otherembodiments, the frequencies may be substantially different. The sizeand other aspects of the inductors and associated cores and othercomponents such as capacitors can be chosen to meet various criterionincluding a desired power transfer ability, efficiency, and availablespace. In some embodiments, the frequency can be changed by changing thefrequency of the waveform from waveform generator circuit 102. Otherfigures show a control of circuit 102. In some embodiments, thefrequency is controlled by a control loop as a function of whether anon-time rise of current is between a minimum and maximum current in aenergy transfer circuit.

As used herein, the duty cycle of switching circuitry 78 is the ratio ofthe on-time of S1 to the total on-time of S1 and S2 (i.e., dutycycle=S1/(S1+S2)). The duty cycle could be defined by a different ratioassociated with S1 and/or S2 in other embodiments. When the voltages ofpower source 32 and load 64 are equal and the duty cycle is 50%, thereis zero power transfer through power extractor 42 in some embodiments.If the voltages of power source 32 and load 64 are different, a higheror lower duty cycle may cause zero power transfer through powerextractor 42. In other words, a particular duty cycle of switchingcircuitry 78 is not tied to a particular direction or amount of powertransfer through power transfer circuitry 72.

As noted, the power change can be continuously detected and theswitching control signal (of FIGS. 7, 8, and 11) can be continuouslyupdated. Using analog circuits is one way to perform continuousdetection and updating. Using digital circuits (such as a processor) isanother way to perform continuous detection and switching control signalupdating. Even though the updating from some digital circuits may insome sense not be exactly continuous, it may be considered continuouswhen for all practical purposes it produces the same result as trulycontinuous updating. As an example, the updating of the switchingcontrol signal is also considered continuous when the frequency ofchange is outside the control loop bandwidth. In some cases, theupdating of the switching control signal also could be consideredcontinuous when the frequency of change is within the control bandwidth.Merely as an example, in some implementations, the control loopbandwidth may be around 800 Hz. In other embodiments, the control loopbandwidth is higher than 800 Hz, and perhaps much higher than 800 Hz. Instill other embodiments, the control loop bandwidth is lower than 800 Hzand depending on the desired implementation and performance may be lowerthan 400 Hz.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a typical current-voltage (I-V) curveand a power curve. Many power sources (e.g., a solar panel) produce arelatively constant current at different voltages. However, when thevoltage reaches a certain threshold in these power sources, the currentbegins to drop quickly. The threshold voltage corresponds to a kneeregion in the I-V curve. The maximum power point (P_(max)) alsocorresponds to the knee region in the I-V curve.

FIG. 10 is a table illustrating operational concepts for power extractor42 according to various embodiments. Example (1), shown as arrow (1) onFIG. 9, shows that when power and voltage are both increasing, theoperating point of the power extractor is on the left side of P_(max).When operating on the left side of P_(max), too much current is beingdrawn by power extractor 42 from power source 32 and, accordingly, powersource 32 is providing less than a maximum available power from powersource 32. The maximum available power is the most amount of power thatcould be achieved given environmental conditions and other conditionsbeyond the control of power extractor 42. In order to reduce currentflow, the duty cycle of switching control circuitry 78 is decreased.This is also the case with example (2) in which arrow (2) shows thatwhen power and voltage are both decreasing, there is also too muchcurrent and less than a maximum available power from power source 32.Conversely, when operating on the right side of P_(max) (examples (3)and (4)), too little current is being drawn by the power extractor andless than a maximum available power from power source 32. Thus, in orderto increase the current flow, the duty cycle of switching controlcircuitry 89 is increased. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a specificationimplementation under particular conditions. Other implementations mayoperate differently and involve additional factors. In a differentimplementation, the current could be increased by decreasing the dutycycle.

Referring again to FIG. 9, if the power is at P_(max) for a length oftime, then the power and voltage is neither increasing nor decreasingfor that length of time. Accordingly, the duty cycle may remain thesame. In some embodiments, the control loop includes mechanisms toprevent a local power maximum (local minimum slope) that is not a truemaximum power from being interpreted as a power maximum so the dutycycle is not changed. One mechanism is the natural noise that will tendto cause control loop fluctuations resulting in the power change.Another mechanism is artificially induced control loop fluctuations thatin some implementations may result in the duty cycle changing after aparticular amount of time if the detection circuitry shows no change inpower or voltage.

Power slope detection circuitry 94 creates the switching control signalin response to the situation of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 illustrates howcomparison circuitry 106 compares the switching control signal with thesaw tooth waveform. The duty cycle of switching control circuitry 78changes as the area of the saw-tooth wave above the switching controlsignal changes. For example, the area of the saw-tooth wave above theswitching control signal is smaller from time t₃ to t₄ than from time t₁to t₂. The smaller area above the switching control signal correspondsto a lower duty cycle. The smaller area above the switching controlsignal could correspond to a higher duty cycle in other embodiments. Thevoltages 0.5 V1 and 0.6 V1 are used for purposes of illustration and arenot limiting. Additionally, in other embodiments, other waveforms(triangle, sine, etc.) could be used in place of the saw-tooth wave.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate examples of power slope detection circuitry94 that may be used in some embodiments of the invention. There arevarious other ways to implement the same or similar functions. In FIG.12, a current measuring circuit 128 includes voltage measuring circuitry130 internal to power slope detection circuitry 94 to measures thevoltage across a small resistor Rs at N1 (or at another location) todetermine the current (I=V/R). Although a small resistor Rs is shown,there are various other ways to measure current including throughmeasuring a magnetic field. The voltage-level signal from N1 (i.e., VN1)(or at another location) and the current-level signal from N1 (i.e.,IN1) (or at another location) are continuous signals. (In otherembodiments, the voltage is deduced indirectly.) Multiplier 134continuously multiplies the voltage and current at N1 to determine thepower at N1 (PN1).

Differentiator 136 provided a signal responsive to changes in power (ΔP)while processor 132 provides a signal responsive to changes in voltage(ΔV). In some embodiments, differentiator 136 measures the power slope.ΔP/ΔV represents the slope power at node N1 (or the other location).Maximum power is achieved when ΔP/ΔV=0. The slope of the power (ormerely power change) can be determined in various ways. The power slopemay be an instantaneous power slope determined through analog circuitry.Alternatively, a power slope or merely a power change can be detectedthrough digital circuitry such as a processor by comparing samples. Theprocessor could compare samples and determine a slope and acorresponding change in voltage (or a voltage slope). Alternatively, theprocessor could merely determine whether the power is increasing ordecreasing and whether the corresponding voltage is increasing ordecreasing. In some embodiments, differentiator 136 merely provides amagnitude of the power change (power slope) and in other embodiments, itprovides both a magnitude and a direction. For example, the slope atpoint (1) in FIG. 9 is positive in direction while the slope at point(2) is negative in direction despite having a similar magnitude.

Power slope detection circuitry 94 includes voltage change detectioncircuitry 132, which may be a processor, application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), or other circuitry. Circuitry 132 may also performscaling as discussed. In some embodiments, circuitry 94 detects a slopeof voltage change and in other embodiments, and in other embodiments, itmerely detects whether the voltage is increasing or decreasing. It maydetect the change through analog or digital circuitry. In someembodiments, only the direction (i.e., not the magnitude) of the voltagechange is relevant. Referring again to FIG. 9, example (1) involves anincreasing voltage (positive) while example (2) involves a decreasingvoltage (negative). Thus, in example (2) of FIG. 10, when differentiator136 indicates a decrease in power, voltage change detection circuitry132 indicates a decrease in voltage. When there is a decrease involtage, controlled inverter 138 inverts the negative output ofdifferentiator 136, which results in a positive number corresponding tothe positive power slope at point (2). Thus, by combining the results ofdifferentiator 136 and voltage change detection circuitry 132, powerslope detection circuitry 94 can determine whether to increase ordecrease the current. As shown in FIG. 10, when the power slope ispositive (examples (1) and (2)), the duty cycle of switching circuitry78 is decreased; when the power slope is negative (examples (3) and (4),the duty cycle is increased. In some embodiments, the output ofcontrolled inverter 138 is scaled by a scalar (amplifier A1) 140, whichputs the signal in a proper range to be compared with the waveform (asshown in FIG. 11). Further, in some embodiments, an integrated 144 maybe used to act as a low pass filter and smooth out otherwise rapidchanges.

In some embodiments, the switching control signal is dependent on thesteepness of the power slope or amount of power change, and in otherembodiments, the changes are incremental. In some embodiments, circuitry94 does not model a power curve, it merely responds to detected voltageand current changes to move toward the maximum power, without beingaware of where the maximum power on a curve. Indeed, it is not necessaryto know what the power curve would look like. In other embodiments,circuitry 94 or other circuitry such as processor 172 in FIG. 25 modelsa power curve.

In some embodiments, the input (e.g., voltage and/or current) and thecontrol loop may define the saturation limit for each of the inductorsin power transfer circuitry 72. In other words, the saturation limit ofeach of the inductors may be independent of the power extractor outputand switching frequency.

FIG. 13 shows how changes in voltage can be detected by analog detectioncircuitry 148 (e.g., differentiator, etc) in some embodiments.Additionally, an external current sensor 146 can measure the amount ofcurrent being transferred by the power extractor and communicate thatinformation to power slope detection circuitry 94. Amplifier 140 canalso be controlled by a processor, ASIC, or FPGA 150 based on variousconditions including but not limited to weather conditions, and chargelevel of the load (e.g., battery).

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the optional integrator 144 of FIGS.12 and 13. Integrator 144 may be included in some embodiments of powerslope detection circuitry 94 to dampen the switching control signal frompower slope detection circuitry 94. Integrator 144 includes a resistorR1 at the input of an op amp 152 and a resistor R2 in parallel with acapacitor C. Charge stored in the capacitor is “bled off” by resistorR2. The bleeding off of charge by resistor R2 causes the output ofintegrator 144 to be lower over time than the input (as received frompower slope detection circuitry). This reduced output reduces the impact(i.e., dampens) of switching control signal on the duty cycle ofswitching circuitry 78.

There are various other ways to obtain the switching control signal.Examples include doing all the analysis in a processor. Other examples,involve considering the saturation levels of the inductors. An exampleis illustrated in connection with FIG. 28. A phase-locked loop (PLL) maybe used to detect on and off times of switches S1 and S2. Thisinformation could be provided to the processor which may use theinformation for various purposes. Two phase related signals may be usedin connection with controlling the duty cycle.

FIG. 15 shows several connectors (110, 112, 116, 118, 122, and 124) forconnecting power source 32 and load 64 to power extractor 42 and/or acircuit board 156 as shown. Circuit board 156 may be in a housing 158.Circuit board 156 and housing 158 may be in a wide variety of formsincluding, for example, a stand alone box. Alternatively, circuit board156 could be in a consumer electronics device (e.g., cell phone,personal data assistant (PDA)) or be a computer card in which case theload could be integrated in the housing as well, or in a variety ofother implementations. As described below, in some implementations, thepower source could be integrated with the housing. If the connector hasa substantially different impedance than the surrounding nodes, then thedifferent nodes (e.g., N1, N1*, N1**) can be considered separate nodes.If the connector has a relatively little impedance than the surroundingnodes, then the different nodes can be considered one node.

FIG. 16 shows that a circuit 160 can be included between power source 32and node N1 in some embodiments. FIG. 17 shows that a diode 162 can beincluded between power source 32 and N1 in some embodiments.

FIG. 18 reproduces the power transfer circuitry of FIG. 8 forconvenience of comparison with alternative power transfer circuitryillustrated in FIGS. 19-22. The values of the resistors, capacitors andinductors (such as R1, R2 C1, C2, C3, C4, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, and L6)are not necessarily the same in FIGS. 18-22.

FIG. 23 illustrates a battery 164 of which the positive end of thebattery is connected to ground. N2 represents the node at the output ofpower extractor 42. In some embodiments, a battery 164 is connected toN2 such that the negative end of battery 164 is tied to N2 and thepositive end is tied to ground. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, one reasonto have the arrangement of FIG. 23 is that, in some embodiments, thevoltages at N4 and N3 have opposite polarities. For example, if thevoltage at N3 and N4 are VN3 and VN4, respectively, VN3 may be −VN4. Inother embodiments, battery 164 can be connected such that the positiveend is tied to N2 and the negative end is tied to ground. Further, insome embodiments, the voltage at N4 and N3 are not opposite voltages.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example of comparison circuitry that may be usedin some embodiments of the invention. Comparison circuitry 106 can beany circuitry used to compare power change indication signal 98 with areference signal (e.g., a voltage reference, V_(ref)) in order toregulate the duty cycle of the switching circuitry.

FIG. 25 is similar to FIG. 8, but includes additional circuitryincluding a processor/ASIC/and/or field programmable gate array (FPGA)172 (hereinafter processor 172), scaling circuitry 176, current sensors184, 186, and 188. Processor 172 receives signals indicative of thesensed current as well as voltage of node N1*. Letters A and B showconnections between current sensors 184 and 186 and processor 172. Insome embodiments, processor 172 also gathers information and/or providescontrol to sub-loads inverter 64-1, battery 64-2, and/or other load 64-3of load 64. The current information can be used to indicate suchinformation as the rate, amount, and efficiency of power transfer. Onereason to gather this information is for processor 172 to determinewhether to be in the protection mode (such as the second mode) or theordinary operating mode (such as the first mode). In a protection mode,there are various things processor 172 can do to provide the powerextractor 42 or load 64. One option is to open switch S3. Another optionis to open a switch S4 shown in FIG. 26. Another option is to provide abias signal to scaling circuitry 176 which is combined in circuitry 178with a power slope indication signal to create the switching controlsignal on conductor 98. For example, if the bias signal causes theswitching control signal to be very high, the duty cycle would be lowcausing the current to be small. The regulation of power in theprotection mode can be to completely shut off the power or merely toreduce the power. In the protection mode, the goal is no longer tomaximize the power transferred. In some embodiments, the bias signal isasserted for purposes other than merely protection mode.

FIG. 26 illustrates a processor control line to control a switch, S4,which can be opened to shut off any power transfer from power extractor42 to a load (e.g., inverter 64-1, battery 64-2, and/or other load64-3). Processor 172 also controls the routing of power betweendifferent sub-loads (e.g., inverter 64-1, battery 64-2, or other load64-3) in some embodiments. Furthermore, temperature sensors 192-1,192-3, and 192-3 are shown as being connected to different loads. Basedon the temperature (e.g., too much heat), the processor can cause switchS4 to open or close or otherwise regulate power, such as through thebias signal or opening switch S3. Power extractor 42 can operate in aprotective mode based on any device limiting condition. Examples ofdevice limiting conditions include one or more of the following:excessive heat, voltage, power, or current in N1, power extractor 42,and/or N2. There may be other device limiting conditions. The powerextractor may sense the state of external switches such as dip switchesor get updates through a memory (such as a flash memory) to determineload characteristics that may be considered in deciding whether to enterinto a protective mode.

FIG. 27 illustrates two different battery loads, 64-1-1 and 64-1-2,connected to output node N2 by a switch, S5. This configurationillustrates the functional flexibility of power extractor 42 in variousembodiments. Given both the source-side and load-side impedance matchingcharacteristics, power extractor 42 automatically adapts to the load andprovides power to the load. In other words, the output of powerextractor 42 is power—the output voltage and the output current thatcomprise the power are not fixed. The output voltage and output currentautomatically adapt to the load, without reducing the power. In otherwords, power extractor 42 may operate independent of any voltage. Thus,the output power may be unregulated, with the exception of theprotection mode.

For example, in some embodiments, power extractor 42 might extract 60Watts of power from power source 32 to be transferred to battery 186-1.If battery 64-2-1 is a 12 Volt battery, then power extractor 42 mightprovide 5 A of current at 12 Volts to charge the battery. If battery64-2-1 is switched to or swapped for a 15 Volt battery 64-2-2, thenpower extractor 42 will still provide 60 Watts of power to charge thebattery in the form of 4 A of current at 15 Volts. While this exampleillustrates the adaptability/flexibility of power extractor 42, itshould be noted that the output voltage from power extractor 42 may needto be slightly higher than the battery voltage in order to cause currentto flow into the battery.

In the above example, and in some other embodiments, the power extractorfeedback point may be based on output power transfer, rather thantraditional systems where the feedback point is based on output voltageor current. Other embodiments operate differently.

FIG. 28 illustrates further detail of power extractor 42 according toother embodiments. Current sensors 222 and 224 provide signalsindicative of the current through switches S1 and S2, which are summedin summer 202. Power may be related to the average current from summer202. These may be provided to an integrator 206 to provide an signalindicative of the power, which is differentiated by differentiator 212and amplified by amplifier 214. Voltage change (or voltage slope) may beconsidered as mentioned above.

FIG. 29 illustrates voltage regulators 232 and 236 which takeunregulated voltage from power extractor 42 and provide a regulatedvoltage as needed (e.g., to power various circuits within powerextractor 42). The unregulated power is provided to regulator 232through a transformer T2 (inductors L5 and L6) and diode D1. Theunregulated power is provided to regulator 236 through a transformer T4(inductors L7 and L8) and diode D2.

Power extractor 42 may be used in transferring power from one or morebatteries 272 to a load 64 which may include another battery. FIG. 30illustrates a battery or batteries 272 as being the power source. Areason to use power extractor 42 with batteries as the source is thatthe batteries with lower power and a lower voltage can be used to chargeother batteries including with a higher or lower voltage. Given thatpower extractor 42 extracts DC power in whatever form it is available(e.g., not at specific or fixed voltage or current) and outputs power inwhatever form needed by the load (e.g., not at a specific or fixedvoltage or current), power extractor 42 is flexible and adaptable—withinsafety or other reasonable limits, there are no restrictions as to whattype of source and/or load can be connected to power extractor 42. Forexample, power extractor 42 can transfer the available power in a 9 Voltbattery to charge a 15 Volt battery. In another example, power extractor42 can transfer power from two 5 Volt batteries to a 12 Volt battery.The flexibility and adaptability of power extractor 42 is in contrast totraditional charge controllers and other power transfer systems wherepower transfer from input to output is a byproduct of output voltageregulation. FIG. 31 illustrates parallel power extractors 42 and 44receiving power from battery power sources 276 and 278, respectively,and providing power to load 64.

FIG. 32 illustrates a side view of an integrated circuit chip (IC1)including a photovoltaic power source 284 and power extractor 286fabricated onto a substrate 282 of IC1. Power extractor 286 may be thesame as or somewhat different than power extractor 42. FIG. 33 shows atop view of IC1 including photovoltaic power source 284, power extractor286, first and second nodes and a chip interface 288. There may be adiode between power extractor 286 and source 284. In practice, thelayout could be somewhat different with photovoltaic power source 284taking up more or less service area than is shown. Likewise, powerextractor 286 could take up more or less area than is shown. FIG. 34shows a plurality of IC chips IC1, IC2, . . . IC25 similar to IC1 ofFIGS. 32 and 33 joined by a frame 296. The integrated circuit may alsocontain various function circuitry in addition to the power extractorand the power source. FIG. 32 illustrates that the power extractor canbe on a very smaller scale. Conversely, power extractor 42 may be on avery large scale, for example, in high power embodiments. FIG. 40 may bean example of such high power embodiments. For example, parts of thecontrol loop such as power slope detection circuitry 94 may be up to asubstantial distance from node N1. In some embodiments, the distance isless than one meter, and in other embodiments, it is more than one meterand it may be substantially more than one meter. Alternatively, thepower slope detection circuitry and power transfer circuitry may beclose together in the same container or housing. Optical coupling ormagnetic coupling may be used in various places including between nodeN1 and the power change detector.

FIGS. 35, 36, and 37 illustrate different configurations for connectingone or more power extractors (power extractors 1, 2, and 3) to one ormore photovoltaic (PV) sources according to various embodiments. Forexample, in FIG. 35, PV power sources (e.g., PV cells or PV panels) aredirectly connected together and to power extractors 1, 2 and 3, throughconnectors 320-1, 320-2, and 320-3, and 322-1 and 322-2, which may beglues, adhesives, mounting brackets, and/or other connectors in variousembodiments. In FIG. 36, PV sources 1, 2, and 3 and power extractors 1,2, and 3 are directly connected while the entire unit is supported by anexternal frame 320. In FIG. 37, PV sources are connected to each otherand to power extractors 1, 2, and 3 via frame elements 330, 334-1,334-2, 338-1, 338-2, and 228-3.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate various configurations for connectingmultiple power sources and multiple power extractors according tovarious embodiments. For example, FIG. 38 shows power extractors PE11,PE12, and PE13 in series to increase voltage from a power source S1.Parallel power extractors PE21, PE22, and PE23 in series with powersource PS2, and PE31, PE32, and PE33 in series power source PS3 arecombined to increase current. FIG. 39 is similar, but each powerextractor is coupled to a power source (PS11 to PE11, PS12 to PE12, PS13to PE13, PS21 to PE21, PS22 to PE22, and PS23 to PE23).

FIG. 40 illustrates the placement of power extractors in one or moretransmission lines. Of course, the magnitude of the power that may betransferred through power extractors 1, 2, and 3 in FIG. 40 is fargreater than may be transferred in the integrated circuit of FIGS.32-34.

The power extractor of the invention may be used in connection with manydifferent types of devices. For example, FIG. 41 illustrates the use ofa power extractor 358 in a device 350 such as a pacemaker. A pacemakerdevice is used in this example by way of illustration only; other typesof devices may be similarly be used in other embodiments. Powerextractor 358 extracts power from battery or batteries 354 for power fora load 312 (e.g., the pacemaker itself). Power extractor 358 includes aprocessor/ASIC/or other circuitry 360 to determine battery usage and/orbattery life in the pacemaker. The information can be communicatedthrough an antenna 366. Based on that information, a doctor ortechnician or other person can send control information to processor 360to bias the power extractor such that battery power is conserved,optimized, etc. in device 302 as desired. That is, it is not necessarilydesirable to use the battery with the most power, but ratherconservation of power may be more desirable. The bias signal of FIG. 25may be useful for helping with battery conservation.

FIG. 42 illustrates the use of a power extractor 388 in another device382, such as a cell phone. Again, a cell phone is used by way of exampleand illustration; other devices may incorporate a power extractor insimilar fashion. Power extractor 388 is included in device 382 toextract power from a power source 384. Example sources of power caninclude light (including solar) power, heat (e.g., body heat), energyfrom motion (e.g., walking, running, general body movement, etc.), wind,battery, converting infrared to electrical energy, etc. Any electricalpower that can be generated by power source 384 can be extracted bypower extractor 388 and transferred to load 392 to power device 382.Processor 390 may be used control a desirable mode, for example, gettingthe maximum power out of a solar cell or thermal couple power source, ortrying to converse battery power when the battery gets low. The devicecould have a combination of power sources. Thus, in some embodiments,power extractor 388 can be used to charge, either partially or fully, acell phone battery without having to plug device 382 into a traditionalelectrical outlet.

As another example, FIG. 43 illustrates a vehicle wheel 404 with aregenerative brake generator 408 which provides power to power extractor418 to charge a battery 418. Power extractor 418 may seek to get themaximum power out of generator 408.

FIG. 44 illustrates transformer clips 512-1, 512-2, 512-3, and 512-4that may be used to provide cooling for planar inductive devices suchplanar inductance coils or planar transformers including I-cores 514-1,514-2, 514-3 and 514-4 and E-cores 518-1, 518-2, 518-3, and 518-4supported by a printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication 520 placed in achassis 522. Chassis 522 may be attached on a backside of a solar cell,solar panel, or other power source. Clips 512 may be made of aluminum,copper, or some other thermally conductive material. A thermal heatpaste or other heat conductor may be used to help with heat conduction.Of course, the system of FIG. 44 is not be used in many embodiments.

FIG. 45 is similar to FIG. 2 except that a processor 484 communicateswith power extractors 42, 44, and 46. The communication may be in justone or in both directions. Examples of the data or other informationcommunicated are provided in connection with FIG. 46. Memory 488 canhold data for future analysis.

FIG. 46 illustrates a system with a power source 550 to provide power toa power extractor switching converter (PESC) 552 which may be the sameas power extractor 42. In addition to controlling PESC functions, aprocessor (such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor) in PESC552 may collect statistical information about all stages of the powerconversion and communicates real time telemetry, power statistical data,and energy statistical data to a central station and also receives realtime data power control algorithms, administrative information, sensormanagement commands, and new software images from the central station.The gathered information (including one or more of the following:status, statistics, power extractor configuration, GPS (globalpositioning system) information, and environmental information) isprovided by the processor in PESC 552 to a processor in a centralstation 564 through wired or wireless (560) communication. Processor 484and memory 488 of FIG. 45 are examples of components of central station564. A communication subsystem (for example, Ethernet) allows thecommunication between the processor and the central station 564. Theprocessor in PESC 552 may include input line side DC voltage and currentsensors, power stage output voltage and current sensors, output side DCsignal sensing and output line side DC sensors.

Various additional components may be used in the above-illustratedcomponents. For example, a fuse and blocking diode may be placed inparallel with a load. If the fuse is blown because the diode is forwardbiased, it may be used to provide information that there was excessivecurrent or voltage. The information may be of immediate use to place thesystem in a protective mode or it may be of use for later diagnosticinformation. A fuse may also be in series between the extractor and theload.

In some embodiments, circuitry such as a thermocouple device may be usedto recapture heat from the power extractor and create power from it.

In some embodiments, the power may be delivered in discrete packets.

FIG. 47 illustrates a system with multiple power sources, a powerextractor, and multiple loads according to some embodiments. System 600provides a general use case scenario for power extractor 630. Powerextractor 630 is an example of a power extractor according to anyembodiment described herein. There may be one or more power sources612-614 coupled to power extractor 630. Note that different powersources may require different coupling hardware. Input coupling hardware620 includes interface circuits that couple the input power sources topower extractor 630. In some embodiments, interface circuit 622 isdifferent from interface circuit 624. However, they may be the same.

Power sources 612-614 may be any type of DC power source (referred to asa power source or an energy source). Examples of DC power sources thatmay be used in accordance with embodiments of the invention include, butare not limited to, photovoltaic cells or panels, a battery orbatteries, and sources that derive power through wind, water (e.g.,hydro-electric), tidal forces, heat (e.g., thermal couple), hydrogenpower generation, gas power generation, radioactive, mechanicaldeformation, piezo-electric, and motion (e.g., human motion such aswalking, running, etc.). Power sources may include natural energysources and man-made power sources, and may be stable (providing anessentially constant power but variable in magnitude) and unstable(providing power that varies over time). Input coupling hardware 620 maybe considered to include the entire interface (e.g., from thecable/wire/trace to the connector/pin to the circuitry), or simplyinclude the interface circuitry. The interface circuitry may include anytype of discrete components (e.g., resistors, capacitors,inductors/transformers, diodes, etc.) as is described herein, and as mayotherwise be known in the art.

Additionally, in some embodiments, input coupling hardware 620 includesswitches (e.g., power field effect transistors (FETs)) or other similarmechanisms that enable one or more power sources to be selectivelydisconnected or decoupled from power extractor 630. The coupling anddecoupling of power sources can be performed, for example, via controlsignals from a management portion of the power extractor.

Similar to the input side, either power extractor 630 includes, or elsethere is coupled to power extractor 630 in system 600, output couplinghardware 640. Output coupling hardware 640 includes interface elements642-644. There may be a one-to-one relationship between interfaceelements 642-644 and loads 652-654, but such a relationship is notstrictly necessary. One or more loads can be coupled via the same outputcoupling hardware. A similar configuration can exist in input couplinghardware 620—the relationship of elements to sources may be one-to-one,or some other ratio. With a ratio other than one-to-one, there may berestrictions on selectively bringing individual sources or loads on- andoff-line. Such restrictions could result in reduced efficiency (from anideal otherwise potentially achievable) in impedance matching, thoughgroup matching may not necessarily be less efficient. Thus, loads and/orsources may be handled as groups, which can then be brought online oroffline as a group, and impedance matched as a group.

Loads 652-654 may also be selectively coupled to power extractor 630 viaoutput coupling hardware 640. One or more loads may be coupled ordecoupled via a control signal in accordance with a management strategy.Power transfer manager 634 generally represents any type of powertransfer management circuit, and may include one or more processingcircuitry elements, such as microprocessors, field programmable gatearrays (FPGA), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),programmable logic arrays (PLAs), microcontrollers, etc. Management ofthe power transfer is performed by power transfer manager 634, which canbe considered to operate according to a power transfer managementstrategy. Such a strategy controls how power will be transferred, or howpower transfer manager 634 will operate to manage power transfer.Operation to manage power transfer may include setting output lines toan active or inactive state (e.g., toggling a microprocessor I/O pin),or otherwise sending configuration controls to other circuits.

Power transfer manager 634 monitors the input power for power changes todetermine how to control the operation of power transfer circuitry 632.Power transfer circuitry 632 is described above, and generally enablespower extractor 630 to convert power from the sources into power todeliver to the loads. Note that with the ability to selectively coupleand decouple sources and loads, power transfer manager 634 may includelogic to adjust the power transfer according to any of a number of powertransfer scenarios. Such ability enables dynamic system configurationchanges while power extractor 630 maintains transfer efficiency. Powertransfer manager 634 and power extractor 630 can dynamically andcontinuously adjust to system configurations, as well as continuouslymonitoring input and/or output power curves. The logic will account forthe needs of the load(s), and the input of the source(s). In someembodiments, the needs of the loads can be determined by monitoringhardware. A simpler method is to include power profiles of the intendedloads, which informs power transfer manager 634 how to control theoutput for particular loads. Power transfer manager 634 can identifywhich loads are present, and thus which profiles are applicable, basedon load detection/monitoring, and/or via indication of a load by anexternal source (e.g., the load itself sends a signal such a triggeringa load pin on a microprocessor, or a system management entity indicateswhich loads are present, etc.).

One inefficiency of traditional systems is the “always on” aspect to theswitching supplies. That is, traditional power transfer technologyconsumed power even when the loads did not require power, and/or evenwhen a source was not available. That is, some part of the powertransfer circuitry was always consuming power. In some embodiments,power transfer manager 634 can automatically turn power extractor 630 onand off based on the presence of power and/or load. That is, forexample, power transfer manager 634 may automatically enter a sleepstate if the input power drops below a threshold (e.g., 1.0 mA at 5 V).When the power is above the threshold, power transfer manager 634 maydetermine whether any loads are or should be connected. In the absenceof source and/or load, power transfer manager 634 may not providecontrol signals, which results in no power transfer, or may producesignals to deactivate active circuitry. Power transfer manager 634 canbe sophisticated and also or alternatively include a timer mechanismthat enables the system to wake up after a period of time (e.g., 5minutes) to re-check on the status of the system.

In some embodiments, the concepts of power management as embodied bypower transfer manager 634 may be considered to include multipleaspects. For example, power management may include business rules andcontrol, where each rule may control a different aspect of powercontrol, or control the same power control aspect in a different manner.Business rules and control may be implemented as hardware, software, orsome combination. The business rules may be broken down into planningrules, which are strategic rules that may look at impedance matching ormonitor the power curve. Organizational rules may be tactical rules thatdetermine how to deal with the multiple inputs and multiple outputs. Therules may provide and/or implement parameters that provide theparticular functionality of power extractor 630. The control canimplement actions or put into effect the business rules. For example, insome embodiments, impedance matching may match only a single powersource. Selective matching would be performed for the input source thatmakes the most sense to match.

In some embodiments, determining how to transfer power to the loads ordetermining a power transfer strategy includes determining oridentifying and selecting power distribution rules. The power transferthen occurs in accordance with the selected power distribution rule.Power distribution rules can be simple or complex, and may be generallyclassified as follows.

Hierarchical rules result in a simple precedence of one load overanother. As source power fluctuates up and down, the power transferredto the loads may be to give preferential treatment to one load over theother. An example may be to favor the operational circuitry of amission-critical device, while giving lower preference to a rechargingone of several backup batteries.

Round robin rules institute a schedule for distributing power. Forexample, power can be distributed to one load for a period of time, thento another, then to another. Thus, all loads would receive some portionof distributed power in a given period of time. Allocation-based rulesmay institute fixed allocations for each load. For example, a system mayallocate 80% of all distributed power to charging a main battery,leaving 20% for one or more other loads.

Time based rules allow the distribution of power to be based on the timeof day, or time of week. For example, a system can be programmed with asunrise/sunset schedule and have logic to determine peak sun hours.Thus, power may be expected to be at a peak from a solar panel atparticular times of day. Based on the time of day, the system maydistribute power according to one strategy or another. In anotherscenario, a system may have historical data that indicates peak loaduse. Power may be distributed at certain times of day according to theexpected use. Note that as described below, peak input power and peakload may be actively determined and dynamically accounted for. Timebased rules may then act as a framework for other rules to be applied.For example, during certain times of day, a round robin may be used,while a demand based strategy is employed at other times of day.

Functionality based rules enable the system to allocate power accordingto the load's functionality or purpose in the system. For example, in apacemaker, the functional circuitry can be given priority over batterycharging. Similarly, navigational equipment may be given a preferentialtreatment over cabin lights in an aircraft. Demand based rules canadjust the power transfer to be commensurate to demand of the loads.Demand based rules may require the addition of detection circuitry (notshown) in output coupling hardware 640. In some embodiments, powerextractor 630 includes load balancing logic (hardware and/or software)to implement demand based rules. In some embodiments, command basedrules can also be applied. That is, a central station or other controlentity can provide a rule for how power should be distributed, which mayoverride any other rules or conditions already in the system.

As already suggested, the power distribution rules can be appliedconsistently, or may be adjusted for any of a number of scenarios(change in demand, time of day, number/strength of power sources, etc.).

Power transfer manager 634 may include or have associated impedancecontrol 635. Impedance control 635 may refer to hardware and softwarethat matches the impedance of input coupling hardware 620 and/or outputcoupling hardware 640 with associated sources or loads, respectively.Techniques for impedance matching are described above, and will not berepeated here.

In some embodiments, power extractor 630 includes presentation logic636. Presentation logic 636 may include hardware and software togenerate status output and potentially user interface functionality forpower extractor 630 or system 600. In some embodiments, presentationlogic 636 is coupled to power extractor 630, and is not necessarily partof power extractor 630. In such implementations, the block presentationlogic 636 may represent the coupling components to connect powerextractor 630 to the presentation logic. Presentation logic 636 mayprovide operational status 662 to an entity outside power extractor 630.Examples include a heartbeat signal, or more detailed information aboutparameters and operations passed to other hardware. Presentation logic636 may include display control capabilities that allow system 600 togenerate textual and/or graphical representations to present to a user.In some embodiments, presentation logic 636 may include messages thatindicate information on how to operate the system. For example, in asystem reliant on solar power sources, presentation logic 636 mayindicate that the user should find a light source to prevent shutdown ofthe machine due to loss of power. The skilled reader will understandthat many other similar applications are possible.

In some embodiments, information is exchanged with an entity that isseparate from system 600. Such an entity may be a management entity orcentral station, or some other entity. Transceiver 638 provides powerextractor 630 with the ability to transmit and receive information.Transceiver 638 may transmit telemetry, which indicates operationalstatus 662, such as where system 600 is located, what version ofhardware/software is present, what memory is available, whatconfiguration is currently on the system, how much battery power isleft, etc. Transceiver 638 may receive algorithms, configurationparameters, power profiles, updated firmware, or other controlinformation. Transceiver 638 may communicate via wired or wirelesslinks, over networks or to single devices, and potentially providesecure communication.

Interface 660 is intended to represent a default interface that maycouple power extractor 630 with any type of local circuitry, user inputmechanisms, or other interface not explicitly discussed herein.

FIG. 48 illustrates a wristwatch system with multiple power sources, apower extractor, and multiple loads according to some embodiments. Watch700 represents a wristwatch that has two power sources, solar source 712and thermal source 714. Solar source 712 may include solar panels on theface or body of the watch. When worn, the solar cells will provide powerfrom ambient light. Thermal source 714 may be located on a distal sideof the watch. Thus, when worn, the thermal source will be next to thewearer's arm and can generate energy from heat given off by the wearer.Neither source is a stable power source. There will not always be lightpresent, and the wearer may take off the watch and thus remove the heatsource (assuming “room temperature” heat is not a sufficient heatsource).

Power extractor 720 receives power from both sources 712 and 714, whichcan then be transferred to multiple loads. In watch 700, one load iswatch mechanism 730. The other load is battery 740. Watch mechanism 730represents the inner mechanisms that allow the watch to keep time,calculate dates, perform stopwatch functions, store data, generate adisplay, move hands, or whatever other functionality is available fromwatch 700. Battery 740 is a rechargeable battery, and hence is a load.Power extractor 720 provides power to watch mechanism 730 from one orboth of the power sources, when the power sources are available. Attimes when neither power source 712 nor 714 is available, battery 740powers watch mechanism 730.

In some embodiments, watch mechanism 730 is a higher priority load thanbattery 740. That is, power extractor 720 first provides power to watchmechanism 730 before charging battery 740. In certain operatingconditions, power sources 712-714 will provide more power than needed tooperate watch mechanism 730, and power extractor 720 will charge battery740. In an implementation where impedance matching is performed, powerextractor 720 may select to impedance match to only a single load. Insome embodiments, the highest priority available load will be impedancematched, and other loads will not be matched.

In some embodiments, power extractor 720 impedance matches to powersources 712-714. Power extractor 720 may only match a single source. Insuch an implementation, power extractor 720 may select to matchimpedance to the source with the greatest power input.

Both battery 740 and watch mechanism 730 will have associated powerprofiles. Along a similar line, both solar source 712 and thermal source714 will have input power capacity. Consider that solar source 712provides 0.3 W of power in good light conditions, and thermal source 714provides 0.1 W for a total of 0.4 W. If watch mechanism 730 onlyrequires 0.3 W of power, power extractor 720 may elect to turn off theconnection to thermal source 714 when battery 740 does not requirecharging (e.g., its power level is greater than a threshold). In lowerlight levels perhaps solar source 712 drops to 0.25 W. Thus, powerextractor 720 will connect thermal source 714 to make up the difference.If the combined sources fail to meet the needs of the watch mechanism,power extractor can choose to have the battery run the watch mechanism,and channel all input power to charging the battery. The flexibility ofpower extractor 720 provides the ability to apply power any of a numberof different scenarios.

In furtherance of the discussion of rules above, in some embodiments,watch 700 includes a dynamic power distribution strategy. For example, adynamic hierarchy may be used. Such an implementation could operate asfollows: when neither source 712 nor source 714 is available, run thewatch off battery 740; when the thermal source is available, run watchmechanism 730 off thermal source 714; when solar source 712 and thermalsource 714 are both active, run watch mechanism 730 off the thermalsource, and charge battery 740 with solar source 712. Other scenarioscould be employed.

FIG. 49 illustrates a wireless router system with multiple powersources, a power extractor, and multiple loads according to someembodiments. System 800 illustrates wireless router 810 with powerextractor 812 coupled to two power sources, wind turbine 832, and solarpanel 834. Power extractor 812 selectively transfers power from powersources 832-834 to the circuitry of wireless route 810, such as routingcircuitry 814, and to battery 816. Routing circuitry represents thefunctional circuitry of wireless router 810. Functional circuitryconverts power into useful work. Specifically, wireless router 810provides networking functionality to wireless communication devices.

Consider that power extractor 812 includes a power profile for routingcircuitry 814. A power profile as described herein can be a dynamicprofile. That is, the power profile may be dependent upon certainconditions. For example, wireless router 810 may be more frequentlyaccessed at peak daytime hours, or in the evenings, for example. Duringthe middle of the night, or in the middle of the day, there may be muchless demand for routing services. Thus, the profile may specify businessrules to use that vary with the time of day and/or the activity of thedevice. In an implementation where load priorities are established, thepriorities may be switched under certain circumstances.

For example, if wireless router 810 experiences less traffic during highsunlight times when the most efficient use of solar panel 834 could takeplace, the priority may be to use solar panel 834 to charge battery 816.In some embodiments, battery 816 includes multiple battery technologies.A power profile for battery 816 may include rules that indicate howpower extractor should transfer power to the components of the battery,which may each be considered separate loads. For example, peak sun hoursmay be better for charging a lead-acid battery (e.g., a main battery),and off-peak hours be better for charging a Ni-Cad battery (e.g., abackup battery).

System 800 thus illustrates the use of various sources and variousloads. At least one of the loads may be complex, or consist of multipleloads. Also illustrated is the concept of complex power profiles.Additionally, in some embodiments, wireless router 810 includestelemetry 818, which represents data about the operational status ofwireless router 810. Communication controller 820 may be employed tocommunicate telemetry 818 to a remote or separate entity. Communicationcontroller 820 may also receive data from the separate entity.Communication controller 820 may operate via wireless transceiver 822and/or wired connection 824. Wireless and wired communicationtechnologies are common, and understood by those skilled in the art. Anysuitable communication medium and technology can be employed.

FIG. 50 illustrates a pacemaker system with multiple power sources, apower extractor, and a load according to some embodiments. Pacemaker 910illustrates a system with multiple power sources and a single load. Anycombination of numbers of sources and loads can be used, depending onwhat makes sense for a given application.

Pacemaker 910 includes power extractor 912, coupled to two powersources, battery 922 and thermal coupling 924. Business rules mayindicate to use thermal coupling 924 as much as possible, or use itconstantly to trickle charge battery 922 constantly, or some otherscenario. Power extractor 912 transfers power from one or both sourcesto operational circuitry 914, which performs the functionality ofpacemaker 910.

Pacemaker 910 includes operation parameters 916, which represents datathat indicates the state of the pacemaker, which may include criticalinformation about how the machine is operating, and whether it iseffective, whether it needs service, etc. Operation parameters 916 mayalso include information (e.g., configuration, rules) related to theoperation of power extractor 912. Thus, power extractor 912 may obtaindata from operation parameters 916 for execution. In some embodiments,such information is transmitted or received via a passive wirelesscommunications system (e.g., radio frequency identifier (RFID)technology).

Pacemaker 910 includes RFID communication integrated circuit (comm IC)930. IC 930 controls antenna 932, including generating messages to besent via antenna 932, and receiving and processing signals received viaantenna 932. Typical operation of a circuit such as shown with RFIDcommunication IC 930 and antenna 932 would be as follows. Anelectro-magnetic (EM) wave is generated in close proximity to pacemaker910 (e.g., inches or feet). The EM wave impinges antenna 932, which thengenerates charge and creates energy potential. IC 930 stores the energypotential (e.g., in a capacitor) and draws on the potential to power theIC. The IC then generates a message from operation parameters 916 andtransmits the message. In the receive case, IC 930 receives andprocesses a message and stores one or more items in operation parameters916 for use by power extractor 912.

FIG. 51 illustrates a system with multiple power sources, a powerextractor, and multiple AC loads according to some embodiments. System1000 represents a power transfer system having an inverter. Asunderstood in the art, an inverter is an electronic device or systemthat produces alternating current (AC) from direct current (DC).Generally the DC to AC conversion is accomplished as a conversion ofsquare-wave DC current to sinusoidal AC current. The inverter isgenerally the critical component in traditional photovoltaic (PV) andother renewable energy systems seeing it is responsible for the controlof electricity flow between these energy systems and various electricalloads. The inverter performs the conversion of the variable DC source toa clean 50-60 Hz sinusoidal alternating current (AC). Inverters alsoperform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) ostensibly to keep powergeneration as efficient as possible. An inverter as described herein mayalso have a communications interface to a central station for thetransmission of statistics and alerts.

As illustrated, power extractor 1022 may be a component of inverter1020. That is, the inverter system may include a power extractor as thepower transfer element. System 1000 includes one or more DC sources1012-1014, which can be dynamically coupled and decoupled to powerextractor 1022 to provide the DC current. The operation of powerextractor 1022 may be identical to embodiments already described herein.The difference in system 1000 over what is previously described is thatthe consumer of the output of power extractor 1022 is inversioncircuitry 1024. One or multiple AC loads 1042-1044 may be selectively,dynamically coupled and decoupled to inverter 1020 to receive power frominversion circuitry 1024.

Inversion circuitry 1024 generally converts the efficiently-transferredoutput power of power extractor 1022 and converts and filters the powerin an efficient manner. The result is an inverter of much higherefficiency than systems implemented with traditional technologies.Discussions above with regards to power distribution strategy,distributing power to one or more loads, etc., applies equally well tosystem 1000 as it does to the embodiments mentioned above. Thedifference is that the loads consume AC power rather than DC power.Similar issues of monitoring output power will be applied in inversioncircuitry 1024 as are performed in power extractor 1022. The mechanismsfor monitoring the power output may be different in inversion circuitry1024 than that of power extractor 1022.

Inversion circuitry 1024 is an algorithmically operated non-linearcurrent mode power converter. Inverter 1020, via inversion circuitry1024, uses a geometric structure or topology to perform its currentswitching from output provided by power extractor 1022. The currentswitching topology technology converts DC power into AC power undermicroprocessor control. The microprocessor may be a separatemicroprocessor than what may be employed in power extractor 1022. Theload requirements of AC loads 1042-1044 for voltage, frequency, and/orphase may be sensed under software control and thereby implemented to adesired voltage, frequency, and/or phase. Alternatively, or additionally(for example, as an override), the load requirements for voltage,frequency, and/or phase may be configuration controlled.

Load monitor 1026 represents one or more components, whether hardware,software, or a combination (e.g., hardware with installed firmwarecontrol), which monitors the output of inversion circuitry 1024 forvoltage (V), frequency (FREQ), and/or phase. Based on what is detected,and/or based on rules or external input, load monitor 1026 can provideconfiguration to inversion circuitry 1024. Note that even when loadmonitor 1026 is implemented in hardware, its input into inversioncircuitry 1024 can be considered “software control” if input into amicroprocessor of inversion circuitry 1024. Load monitor 1026 may alsoinclude a communication connection (not shown) to, for example, acentral station that sends configuration parameters that are passed toinversion circuitry 1024.

Additionally, or alternatively, to load monitor 1026, inverter 1020 mayinclude more “manual” configuration mechanisms. Such configurationmechanisms may include switches (for example, commonly usedconfiguration “DIP” (dual in-line package) switches. Other switches orcomparable mechanisms could also be used. DIP switches typically have arow of sliders or rockers (or even screw-type rotational mechanisms)that can be set to one or another position. Each switch position mayconfigure a different item, or the composite of all the switch positionscan provide a binary “number” input to a microprocessor. Frequencyselection 1032 represents a configuration mechanism to set the outputfrequency of inverter 1020. Voltage selection 1034 can be used to selectthe output voltage of inverter 1020. Phase selection 1036 can be used toselect the output phase of inverter 1020. The use of frequency selection1032, voltage selection 1034, and phase selection 1036 can enableinverter 1020 to operate correctly even in cases where voltage,frequency, or phase information is provided incorrectly from a grid onwhich inverter 1020 operates.

The background section of this disclosure provides various detailedinformation which is believed to be correct, but which may inadvertentlyinclude some errors. These errors, if they exist, would in no waydetract from the inventions described and claimed herein. The DetailedDescription section may also include some inadvertent errors which wouldnot detract from the invention. Further, the Detailed Descriptionsection includes some theoretical explanations of the operation of theillustrated power extractor. It is believed that these theoreticalexplanations are correct, but if they are partially incorrect that wouldnot detract from what is an enabling disclosure or detract from theinventions described and claimed.

It will be appreciated that the figures include block diagrams andschematic representations that may be implemented in a variety of waysand that actual implementations may include various additionalcomponents and conductors.

As used herein, the term “embodiment” refers to an implementation ofsome aspect of the inventions. Reference in the specification to “anembodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “otherembodiments” means that a particular feature, circuitry, orcharacteristic is included in at least some embodiments, but notnecessarily all embodiments. Different references to “some embodiments”do not necessarily refer to the same “some embodiments.”

When it is said the element “A” is coupled to element “B,” element A maybe directly coupled to element B or be indirectly coupled through, forexample, element C. When the specification or claims state that acomponent, feature, circuit, structure, process, or characteristic A isin response to a component, feature, circuit, structure, process, orcharacteristic B, it merely means that A is at least partiallyresponsive to B (but may also be responsive to C, or B and C at the sametime). That is, when it is said A is in response to B, A could be inresponse to B and C at the same time. Likewise, when it is said that Acauses B, A is at least a partial cause of B, but there could be othercauses of B either separately or in combination with A.

If the specification states a component, feature, structure, circuitry,or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, thatparticular component, feature, circuitry, or characteristic is notrequired to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a”structure, that does not mean there is only one of the structure.

Besides what is described herein, various modifications may be made tothe disclosed embodiments and implementations of the invention withoutdeparting from their scope. Therefore, the illustrations and examplesherein should be construed in an illustrative, and not a restrictivesense. The scope of the invention should be measured by reference to theclaims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an energy source thatprovides source voltage and source current; a load; a power extractor totransfer power between the energy source and the load, the powerextractor including an input that impedance matches an impedance of thesource via an input inductor circuit having an input inductor coupledbetween the energy source and an internal node with one end of the inputinductor coupled to the energy source and a second end of the inputinductor coupled to the internal node, and an output that impedancematches an impedance of the load via an output inductor circuit havingan output inductor coupled between the internal node and the load withone end of the output inductor coupled to the internal node and a secondend of the output inductor coupled to the load, wherein the powerextractor is to generate a signal to control input impedance matchingand a separate signal to control output impedance matching, wherein thepower extractor transfers power with a magnitude based on a continuouslydetected power change, and wherein the power extractor is to provide anunregulated output voltage and an unregulated output current to theload, wherein the power extractor output voltage varies with a voltagelevel of the load, and the output current is not fixed at a constantcurrent value and follows the output voltage.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the energy source include at least one of a stable energy sourceor an unstable energy source.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein theenergy source includes one or more of a solar power source, a tidalpower source, a piezoelectric power source, a wind power source, amechanical power source, a thermally coupled heat source, a fuel cell, abattery, or a kinetic energy coupling.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe energy source is a first energy source, and further comprising: asecond energy source that provides an unregulated source voltage andsource current.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second energysource is a different type of energy source than the first energysource.
 6. The system of claim 4, further comprising: logic todynamically select to transfer power from zero or more of the first andsecond energy sources.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the logicdynamically selects to transfer power from the first and/or the secondenergy sources based at least in part on a power profile of the load. 8.The system of claim 6, wherein the logic dynamically adjusts themagnitude of power transferred from the first and/or the second energysources based at least in part on a power profile of the load.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the load comprises one or more of an energystorage element or a component that converts power into useful work. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein the load comprises one or more batteries.11. The system of claim 10, wherein the battery is one of a lead-acidbattery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, alithium ion polymer battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery.
 12. The systemof claim 9, wherein the load comprises one of a capacitor, asupercapacitor, or a fuel cell.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein thepower extractor further dynamically matches impedance of the energysource.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the power extractor furtherdynamically matches impedance of the load.
 15. The system of claim 1,further comprising: an energy source detection circuit to identifypossible energy sources coupled to the power extractor.
 16. The systemof claim 1, further comprising: processing circuitry coupled with thepower extractor to manage the transfer of power from the energy sourceto the load.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the processingcircuitry comprises one of a microprocessor, a field programmable gatearray (FPGA), and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 18.The system of claim 1, further comprising: presentation circuitry thatdisplays the operational status of the power extractor.
 19. The systemof claim 18, wherein the presentation circuitry further providesoperation suggestions for the system based on the operational status ofthe power extractor.
 20. The system of claim 1, further comprising: atransceiver for communication with a central station, the communicationincluding transmission of telemetry and reception of configurationmanagement information.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: an inverter to receive a direct current output from thepower extractor and generate a sinusoidal alternating current from thedirect current.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the invertersenses an output frequency requirement of the load, and generates thealternating current with a frequency in Hertz based on the outputfrequency requirement of the load.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21,wherein the inverter generates the alternating current with a frequencyin Hertz based on one or more of a software control parameter or aswitch configuration.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein theinverter provides the sinusoidal alternating current at a voltage. 25.The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the inverter senses an output voltagerequirement of the load, and generates the alternating current with theoutput voltage based on the output voltage requirement of the load. 26.The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the inverter generates thealternating current at the voltage based on one or more of a softwarecontrol parameter or a switch configuration.
 27. The apparatus of claim24, wherein the inverter provides the sinusoidal alternating current ata voltage and at one or more phases.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27,wherein the inverter senses a phase requirement of the load, andgenerates the alternating current at the voltage with the phase based onthe phase requirement of the load.
 29. The apparatus of claim 27,wherein inverter generates the alternating current at the phase based onone or more of a software control parameter or a switch configuration.30. A method in a power transfer system, comprising: receiving avariable source current at a source voltage from an energy source;identifying one or more loads; determining a power transfer managementstrategy to transfer power from the power source to the one or moreloads; and transferring power between the energy source and the one ormore loads in accordance with the determined strategy via an inputinductor having one end coupled to the energy source and a second endcoupled to an internal node, and via an output inductor having one endcoupled to the internal node and a second end coupled to the load,including transferring power from the energy source to the internal nodebased on a continuously detected power change at the energy source, andtransferring power from the internal node to the one or more loads basedon a signal that controls impedance matching switching of an outputinterface, wherein an output voltage to the one or more loads varieswith a voltage level of the one or more loads, and an output current isnot fixed at a constant current value and follows the output voltage.31. The method of claim 30, wherein receiving the unregulated sourcecurrent at the source voltage further comprises: detecting one or morepower sources; and selectively coupling and decoupling power sources tomanage input power to power transfer circuitry; and wherein the powermanagement logic dynamically adjusts the magnitude of power transferredfrom one or more power sources based at least in part on a power profileof the loads.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein determining the powertransfer management strategy further comprises: determining a powerconsumption of a load.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein determiningthe power consumption of the load further comprises: obtaining a powerprofile of the load.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein determining thepower transfer management strategy further comprises: determining apower distribution rule; wherein transferring power comprisespreferentially providing power to loads based on the determined powerdistribution rule.
 35. The method of claim 30, wherein transferringpower further comprises: detecting one or more loads; and selectivelycoupling and decoupling loads to manage output power to the loads; andwherein the power management logic dynamically adjusts the magnitude ofpower transferred to the one or more loads based at least in part on apower profile of the loads.
 36. The method of claim 30, furthercomprising: communicating to a remote management entity informationrelated to an operational status of the power transfer system.
 37. Themethod of claim 30, further comprising: receiving from a remotemanagement entity information related to application of the powertransfer management strategy.